Over the course of the past two years, Sylvester Stallone has altered his stance from being "99% sure" that Rambo 5 isn't going to happen and expressing interest in directing a First Blood prequel, to last year's announcement about a possible fifth Rambo flick (subtitled Last Stand) and saying that he's now "dying" to produce one more chapter in the Vietnam Vet's violent saga.

Stallone has spoken out again about Rambo 5 (which has yet to be officially greenlit), describing the still-theoretical project's current situation as "There's a volcano eruption [brewing]. The magma of Rambo is coming to the surface."

Here is what Stallone said about the last (for real this time) story he wants to tell about John Rambo, via MTV:

"I know there is [another story to tell]. It's one thing where you lay down the final culmination of your life where you can articulate it, but also act on it where [Rambo] realizes what his destiny really is. It's not to be a farmer, it's not to be obscure; it's to go out in a blaze of glory in a heroic fashion. But is he really doing it for himself or is he doing it because that's just his id? That's who he is."

"I like the whole Mexican situation, what's going on down there. So I'm working on a formula for it right now."

From Stallone's description, it sounds as though Rambo 5 would "retire" the John Rambo character, in a fashion similar to how 2006's Rocky Balboa served as a thematic conclusion to the cinematic life of... well, Rocky Ralboa. However, the former would also be a literal concluding chapter to the existence of Stallone's famous, ruthless, war vet persona - judging by Sly's "going out in a blaze of glory" comment.

Stallone's loyal fanbase won't start deteriorating anytime soon, thanks to his impending slate of "throwback" starring vehicles - including, the Expendables sequel, the Walter Hill-directed Bullet to the Head, and The Tomb, co-starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. Thus, there should still be a demand to see Stallone lay his second-most famous cinematic alter ego to rest, in the manner he's planning with Rambo 5.

Rocky Balboa (a.k.a. Rocky VI) certainly has more than its fair share of steadfast defenders, who feel it served as a proper swan song to that Stallone-headed franchise. Sly's desire to do likewise for the Rambo series should also be received by many people as a worthwhile endeavor. However, the detractors will probably (continue to) argue that Rambo (a.k.a. Rambo IV) already accomplished that task.

What do you think of Stallone's plans for retiring the John Rambo character? Sound off in the comments section.

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